Locum Tenens Blog

How Locum Tenens Makes It Possible for Healthcare Providers to Have It All

Physicians hold one of the top paying jobs in America. However, after all those years in grad school, many doctors still find it difficult to pay for everything they want. Plus, the high paying job comes at the cost of very long hours and stressful work, especially with the physician shortage affecting many parts of the country. It can sometimes feel as though you have to choose between work and time with your friends and family. Trying to travel and embark on adventures might seem almost impossible, especially for physicians still in the early part of their career.

Choosing locum tenens work provides a way to truly have it all and find that work-life balance you have always dreamed about without sacrificing your career, or paycheck. This type of work is no longer rare, with around 40,000 physicians working in temporary assignments. If you are unsure whether or not you should take advantage of these growing opportunities, then consider the following ways that this type of work makes it possible for physicians and other healthcare providers to really have it all.

Travel For Work

Achieve your travel goals while also pursing your career.

If travel has always been a dream of yours but you feel as though you have no time in your schedule with the long hours of your job, then locum tenens might help you to achieve both your career goals and travel dreams. There are temporary opportunities around the country, and medical staffing agenciesoften have a list of these locations.

It is possible to take an assignment in a destination you have always wished to visit. During your time working there you have a chance to experience the location as a resident, not just a visitor. Although you are there for work, you might find you have more time on your hands to explore. Alternatively, simply leave some extra time before or after your stint to visit the sites.

Make Extra Money

Perhaps what is stopping you from feeling as though you have it all are all the student loans you have to pay off. Locum tenens assignments provide you with ways to make a little extra money on the side to help pay off your debt or save for something in the future. This might be a trip somewhere, a house, children or the car of your dreams. Some assignments also pay more than a typical permanent placement at a practice.

Avoid Burnout

Working as a physician is rewarding, but it also comes with its downsides. While doctors choose the profession because they want to provide patient care, physicians can experience burnout for any number of reasons. A heavy workload that routinely requires long work hours can lead to burnout. As regulations become increasingly stringent many doctors are handling increased administrative responsibilities. The time required can mean less time to spend on actual patient care.

Taking on temporary assignments helps you to avoid burnout. You have the chance to go and work in an area that is rewarding but tough, such as many underprivileged areas, and then leave when you find yourself dangerously close to burnout. You also have less paperwork and more time with patients, making the work more rewarding.

Have the Flexibility You Want

Locum tenens work provides you with flexibility. It is possible to work part time or full time. Perhaps you wish to have summers off so you can spend more time with your family or go on vacation. Maybe your family has a summer home and you want to be able to work while you are there with them. Locum Tenens jobs can provide the solutions you need so you can make the money you require without sacrificing your flexibility.

Try Out a Job Before Saying Yes

Maybe you want more security in your career but are afraid to commit to a job at a particular facility. Locum tenens work allows you to try out the job for a few weeks or months before you fully commit. By this time, you should know whether or not it is the right step for your career. If it is, then you can start to discuss full-time employment.

Pursue Your Career and Your Passion

Work as a physician and still have time to pursue your hobbies.

Too often, people have to choose between their careers and having time for other dreams and passions. Temporary work allows you more free time to pursue your passion on the side. This could be marathon running, pottery, painting, community theater, or writing a book. Perhaps you want to start your own practice but need some extra money while you do so. By choosing to undertake temporary assignments, you have the luxury to actually pursue these activities.

Ultimately, the reason that more and more physicians are finding locum tenens a lucrative career move is that it simply provides more time. More time for family, friends, hobbies, travel, and numerous other activities. It pays well and has other benefits so that you really can have it all and achieve the coveted work-life balance.